Nick Luck Daily Podcast

The programme begins with the very sad news that former jockey Tom O’Brien, a multiple Grade 1 winner and Cheltenham Festival winner, has died aged just 39. Johnson White, who worked alongside Tom for around two decades at Philip Hobbs and Johnson White’s yard, pays tribute to “the life and soul of any get-together”, and Oli Bell, who joins Nick for today’s show, remembers a loyal stalwart of the weighing room. Baroness Minette Batters, chair of the Horse Welfare Board, tells Nick about last night’s reception at the Houses of Parliament to launch the board’s new five-year welfare plan, with traceability and wearable technology at its heart. Tom Bellamy explains what happened at Huntingdon yesterday, when the final race was void after Blues Singer was withdrawn at the start, and gives an update on White Noise. From Bahrain, Henry de Bromhead talks about his first runner in the kingdom and his strong team for Cheltenham this weekend, and Mr Araci’s racing manager discusses Glacius’s chances in Friday’s Bahrain International Trophy and Libertango’s 1,000 Guineas plans. Mini Mac’s three wins for James Owen secure a share of ARC’s first all-weather bonus, Jim McGrath reports on Saffie Osborne’s promising start in Hong Kong, and Goffs chief executive Henry Beeby previews the new Chicquita Session.

Nick is in Bahrain, with Jane Mangan alongside him. The programme begins with the very sad news that apprentice rider Izzy Neale has died aged just 22, following a fall at Warren in New South Wales on Sunday. Harry Derham explains why he reported a senior member of his staff to the BHA for passing on inside information, a case that has ended in a two-year disqualification. He also discusses Cristal D’Estruval’s sparkling chase debut at Carlisle and his plans for Grade 1 winner Le Frimeur. Nick heads down to the track at the Bahrain Turf Club ahead of Friday’s $1.5 million Bahrain International Trophy, the kingdom’s first international Group 1. He hears from Sheikh Isa on the race’s journey from its first running in 2019, and from Karl Burke on defending champion Royal Champion. Jane and Nick also discuss Englishman’s retirement to stud and the stellar novice chase entry at Cheltenham this weekend. For the Timeform Pulse, Dan Barber looks back at Gavin Sheehan reaching 1,000 winners. On the Weatherbys world tour, Pascal Noue of Haras de la Hetraie warns that France’s National Hunt foal crop could fall by up to 15% next year.

Nick is in Bahrain ahead of Friday’s Bahrain International Trophy, the kingdom’s first international Group 1. The Daily Mirror’s David Yates joins him to look back on a big weekend of jumps racing. At Naas, Kopek Des Bordes was beaten at 1-4 by Irish Panther, Love Me Tender and Anzadam won for Willie Mullins, and Champion Bumper hero The Mourne Rambler had to work hard to win his maiden hurdle. Ted Walsh pays tribute to Derek O’Connor, who has retired as the most successful point-to-point rider of all time, calling him “the Tiger Woods of amateur riders”. Ben Pauling reflects on Taurus Bay beating No Drama This End and Talk To The Man in the Rising Stars Novices’ Chase at Aintree, and looks ahead to Meetmebythesea in Saturday’s Paddy Power Gold Cup. He also talks about swapping the gallops for the dance floor for Racing Welfare. Hugo Palmer previews his two Bahrain International Trophy runners, Seagulls Eleven and Glacius. Jason Hart, crowned Cock O’ The North for the second time, calls for more recognition of northern racing after Great British Racing scaled back its support for the title.

Charlotte Greenway brings you this week’s Saturday Edition, starting at Aintree ahead of tomorrow’s action. Joe Tizzard updates us on Champion Hurdle fourth Alexei ahead of the William Hill Molyneux Hurdle, and Paul Nicholls looks forward to No Drama This End’s chasing debut in the Boodles Rising Stars Novices’ Chase. Then it’s down under for the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington. John Messara previews Autumn Glow’s run in the Champions Mile and explains why Royal Ascot is no longer in the plan. Barry O’Brien is confident Sir Delius can bounce back in the Champions Stakes, where he also has Birdman.

Nick is in Melbourne on the eve of Champions Day, the final day of the carnival. First, Neil Channing reacts to Betfred founder Fred Done carrying out his threat to pull sponsorship of all five British Classics. He warns that it won’t be the last sponsor to walk away while betting shops keep closing, and he gives his view on Bradley Walsh’s Channel 4 gambling show. Back home, the jumps season really gets going. Josh Stacey runs through the big storylines from a strong weekend at Aintree, including Mydaddypaddy’s clash with Alexei in the Molyneux Hurdle and the “six-pointer” for Paul Nicholls as No Drama This End takes on his former inmate Talk To The Man. Josh also looks ahead to Kopek Des Bordes’ return in Ireland. Alexei’s trainer Joe Tizzard explains why his stable star skips the Fighting Fifth to start at Aintree and gives an update on stable jockey Brendan Powell after his arm operation. In Melbourne, Adam Peacock previews a Champions Day of possible coronations, with Tempted in the sprint, Autumn Glow in the mile and a Cox Plate rematch in the Champions Stakes. Autumn Glow’s owner John Messara then explains why Royal Ascot is no longer in the plan for his superstar mare. Plus, a tip from Josh for Aintree on Saturday.